Shipping stuff to college

[TammyS]

You guys are so helpful when I'm thinking things through.  So, who has shipped stuff to college, and what was the least expensive method?  Also, do you have a rule of thumb for whether something is worth shipping vs buying and having sent direct?

 

I initially thought I would just re-buy everything and have it sent direct, but my son is so tall that all of his clothes are expensive.  And his shoes (size 15) are just :svengo: , so rebuying them is looking to be $$$.  I know we could have him take a large checked bag for this stuff, but I was sort of hoping to avoid him having to check bags.

[dhudson]

Amazon prime was my go to and my ds only lived 15 min away.

[Carol in Cal.]

For smaller packages, the USPS has priority mail boxes that are standardized, and postage is cheaper than it would be by weight every time I check.  Those are the only things I use for care packages for instance.

[Sebastian (a lady)]

I've mailed and shipped a lot of stuff with moves. Paying $35 for a checked bag might be cheaper than shipping.

[bettyandbob]

For general stuff (dorm sheets, toiletries ect) order amazon prime student account or Target (I have a red card, so get the 5% discount plus free shipping). For his specialty sized clothing I'd do checked bags.

[73349]

For clothes and shoes, checking the largest bag that won't be considered oversized is probably your best bet. Remember that he only needs enough to last until he comes back home, which in many places means not much cold weather stuff if there's a fall break.

 

For linens, a hamper, a lamp, etc., I'd buy when he gets there.

[Mom22ns]

I'd buy and ship the big stuff, but I'd send one large checked bag with clothes and shoes, and then of course a carry on too.

[Grantmom]

Even if you had to ship some clothes and shoes, that probably wouldn't be that expensive, and definitely cheaper than repurchasing that kind of stuff.  If he's going alone, I would just think about how much he will have to manage through the airport, if he has to change planes, catch a bus or taxi, etc.  I'd probably rather pay to send a box of clothes than for him to have to haul multiple suitcases through the airport.  I mean, take what he can manage and enough for a few weeks, then ship the rest.  Just thinking about clothes here, because they aren't that heavy.

[JoanHomeEd]

Ways to do free checked bags (with/without credit cards)

https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/credit-cards/airline-credit-cards-free-checked-bags/

 

The other day I was able to get a really good deal on bonton.com ($50 off $100 purchases + free shipping with email list signup). The promotion might come back again. Also, look out for similar promotions related to Father's Day. 

[DebbS]

For small care packages, I have found the USPS regional boxes to be the best deal. For larger boxes, I have found that UPS is best.  You can go out to all of the shippers web sites and calculate shipping costs based on box size and weight. You'll be able to get a good idea of the cost-effectiveness of shipping his stuff vs purchasing new stuff.

 

[gingersmom]

My daughter stored her stuff this summer with www.dormroommovers.com

 

I think they will also ship things to college.

[AK_Mom4]

Shipping fees from here are insane.  If it didn't go into a USPS Priority mail box, I didn't ship it.  OK - there was one exception (an expensive musical instrument) and that went insured fedex overnight with special packing, but I was expecting that to be pricey.  It actually makes those checked bag fees look reasonable.

 

I ordered most of DD20's stuff from Amazon prime with free 2 day shipping.  Placed the order just before she left here and it was all waiting for her at the dorm when she arrived.  Linens, school supplies, even a trash can and printer.  So easy - I built up a wish list with all the items then hit Buy and it all just showed up.

[TammyS]

Thanks everyone for the ideas.  Keep them coming!

 

It's not really the checked bag fees that I'm trying to avoid, so much as him having to carry around heavy luggage on top of an already long day (leaving the house at 2:30am est, getting to the school at 2p west coast time).  He may just have to suck it up.  I think I'll start sorting and see.

[swimmermom3]

I've mailed and shipped a lot of stuff with moves. Paying $35 for a checked bag might be cheaper than shipping.

 

I was wondering about that. With dh and I both flying in with ds, we could each check a bag and probably get most things there for the $75 it would cost us, except for items that can ship from the vendor for free.

 

[abacus2]

If number of bags is a problem, check a bag rather than bringing a carry-on suitcase. Checking bags is definitely the cheapest way to ship anything heavy.